Citing its “long and rich history as components of a comprehensive traditional medical system that has been used for thousands of years to diagnose and treat illness, prevent disease and improve well-being,” Gov. Rick Snyder has proclaimed October 24 as “Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Awareness Day” in Michigan.

This is the fourth year the governor has recognized the importance of acupuncture and oriental medicine, noting that practitioners are “dedicated to the highest standards of professionalism and maintain these standards through education, credentialing and a personal commitment.” [Read more…]

Fall is always a time when there is increased promotion for the flu shot. TV commercials and signs at the local pharmacy highly recommend the flu vaccination for prevention. Although many people get the flu shot each year, not everyone chooses to.

Flu vaccines are designed to protect against the main flu viruses that are projected to be most common during the upcoming season. Two factors typically impact the effectiveness of the flu vaccine: The health and stamina of the person getting the vaccine, and the match between the flu virus that is circulating and that which the body is being protected against. There are no guarantees that getting the flu shot will prevent you from getting the flu! [Read more…]

As an acupuncturist, we often get feedback about how our clients are doing. I was recently asked to share an exciting patient testimonial!

You’ve made me feel like a whole person again. I barely even recognize myself I feel so good.

This comment was from a patient who came in describing debilitating headaches each month, like clockwork, the week before her period. She also was very irritable and emotional with her PMS and had painful cramps during her menstrual cycle. The combination of the premenstrual migraines, the emotional volatility and menstrual pain put her out of commission for almost 2 weeks each month. [Read more…]

When we think of inflammation, we often think of localized pain somewhere in the body. An injury, for example, can elicit an acute inflammatory response. In addition, inflammation may be systemic and manifest in various parts of the body. As Jennifer Pillow-White wrote in her blog (Ask the CST) , inflammation is an necessary part of healing. Inflammation can be a good thing!

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture has its own unique way of viewing inflammation.

TCM is a very literal medicine. We look at symptoms (of a health condition) vs. a label (such as inflammation) to diagnosis and differentiate illness and disease. A patient may come to our office with inflammation and the acupuncturist asks – “what are the symptoms associate with the inflammation?”

We are very excited to welcome Karen Siegel Propis, MPH, MS, RD, LD, LAc, to our practice! Karen will be filling in while Julie Shindler-Cohen is on maternity leave and will maintain a part-time schedule once Julie returns. Karen was founder and owner of the Acupuncture and Nutrition Clinic in Houston, Texas where she had a private practice for acupuncture, herbal medicine and nutrition.

Karen treats a wide variety of emotional and physical problems using acupuncture and herbal medicine. She employs various strategies of Traditional Chinese Medicine to help patients overcome acute and chronic problems with pain, as well as symptoms of menopause, dysmenorrhea, digestive problems, depression and migraines. She is an advocate of working with a team and is pleased to be joining Michigan Associates of Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine.

Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Karen earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Nutrition & Dietetics from the University of Vermont and completed her internship at the University of Texas, Houston. She received a Masters in Public Health degree from the University of Texas School of Public Health and her Masters degree in Oriental Medicine from the American College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in Houston, TX. She is Board Certified and Licensed through the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners and is a Diplomate in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology.

Receiving a diagnosis of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is very scary and confusing for many women, especially when trying to conceive. PCOS is a syndrome—this means one size does NOT fit all. Classically, women with PCOS were overweight, had inappropriate hair growth and did not menstruate regularly. However, many of the PCOS patients I see do NOT fit that description. Some women have insulin resistance, acne, irregular periods or cysts on their ovaries. Or not. Traditional treatment for PCOS involves birth control pills, blood sugar regulating medications, low carb diet and exercise. When trying to conceive, all of those options are great—with the exception of birth control pills! [Read more…]

Imagine that someone tells you that there is a type of medicine that can proactively help support your body in healing itself. In addition, this type of medicine can prevent illness from occurring. Imagine being told – you will feel better and build a foundation of health and wellness for your body.

This medicine does not involve taking any chemicals or synthetic pills. There are no gimmicks or false claims. It’s not a quick fix or a “one size fits all” medicine.

Imagine being able to achieve this while relaxing in a quiet room with soothing music, dimmed lights and warm bed underneath you. Imagine coming out of this room feeling refreshed and rejuvenated; knowing you have done something good for yourself!

What if someone told you that there are many different health concerns this medicine can address. From subtle issues like insomnia, fatigue or anxiety to more chronic health concerns like inflammation, autoimmune issues and cancer.

Are you wondering what this medicine is?

The medicine is Traditional Chinese Medicine and its most well respected tool – Acupuncture! [Read more…]

Are you under the weather? It’s exactly why you should come and see us.

Many people call in sick for work, rightfully so…even if they feel well enough to come to work, it is considered better to stay at home and not expose others – preventing further spread of the “bug” that is running around.

Often patients are calling our office canceling their appointment because they are sick with the same thought process as when they call off work. Being sick is actually an indication to come and get acupuncture and energy work treatment, this is what we are here for!! Back in the old days, herbal medicine and acupuncture (in the Far East) where the only medicine. Acupuncture and herbal medicine are very powerful tools also in dealing with upper respiratory diseases.

After catching a cold few days ago I got better, though my wife got sicker and last night started to cough profusely, her chest felt tight and her back started to hurt. Those are symptoms that can lead to pneumonia if not treated properly. Before running to the emergency care, I did acupuncture on her to try and help her body recover on its own. We made Ginger lemon honey tea, defused eucalyptus oil and did a massage on her chest and back along the Lung meridian. She had immediate relief, felt, better and we avoided the need for her to take antibiotics.Antibiotic is important and without it people can die, though it only gives a short term solution and reduce the immunity of the body in the long run which is making people prone to suffer from the same problem in the future and have it be harder to treat. Going to the Dr. is very important in order to make sure everything is under control, but before the medical need for drug intervention, there are many natural things that can be done.

As a Chinese herbalist, I am often asked “which herbs are good to eat?” Well, that is a very broad question. First, different herbs are good for different things. We all have unique energetic imbalances and require different treatments. If we eat an excessive amount of “warming” or “cooling” herbs, this can lead to a severe imbalance in the digestive tract! Also, many Chinese herbs are not so commonly found in your local grocery store. (I have yet to find fresh rehmannia root or even white peony) However, diet and digestion is so important in Chinese medicine, that there are a few herbs that can be used across the board to support good health! [Read more…]